Eugenia of Rome

Holy Virgin-martyr Eugenia of Rome, on the Eve of the Nativity.

The holy virgin martyr Eugenia was the daughter of a distinguished Roman family in the third century. Coming to faith in Christ, according to tradition she fled a life of privilege, entered monastic life disguised as a man, and became known for holiness and healing; after many trials, in which her identity and her innocence were revealed, she returned to Rome and was put to death for the faith in the persecutions of that age.

Her feast falls on the eve of the Nativity, joining her witness to the light of the coming feast. She is commemorated on December 24.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Eugenia of Rome is commemorated on December 24. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on January 6 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Eugenia, Evgenia, Jenny

Also commemorated on December 24

• Philip the Martyr

  Martyr, Φίλιππος

  Holy Martyr Philip, father of Saint Eugenia.

• Ahmed the Calfa

  Martyr, Αχμέτ ο Κάλφας

  New Martyr Ahmed the Calfa of Constantinople, a convert from Islam.

• Basilla the Martyr

  Holy Woman, Βασίλα

  Holy Virgin Martyr Basilla, companion of Saint Eugenia.

• Protas and Hyacinth

  Martyr, Πρωτάς και Υάκινθος

  Holy Martyrs Protas and Hyacinth, servants of Saint Eugenia.

• Nicholas the Monk

  Venerable, Νικόλαος ο από στρατιωτών

  Venerable Nicholas the former soldier, monk of Bulgaria.

• Antiochus the Monk

  Venerable, Αντίοχος

  Venerable Antiochus of the Lavra of Saint Sabas, author of the Pandects.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.